You Could Have Been The One (#520)

Hi,

wow, this is my #520 here. (And if everythings works out fine, I will reach #555 this year.) Sorry for the tiny delay...
I'd also like to mention Feine Sahne Fischfilet, who did a great show in one of the biggest venues here last week.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Lissie : New album alert. "Castles" feels like a letdown, especially when I think of her previous album "My Wild West". If "Best Days" stands for one of the highlights, you can think the rest.
• George Ezra : New album alert. "Staying At Tamara's" continues pretty much the sound of his first album. After some first plays I'm not sure, if I find a lot of joy there.
• Kat Frankie : Concert context. I had the chance to see her live - and so I wanted to get to know her music before that. "Bad Behaviour" sounds okay... but I expected a bit more. Anyway, her concert was nice.
• BTS : Hype alert. So I noticed a bit of online hype about this K-Pop group... and March 20 marks the first time I got to know their latest EP "Love Yourself: Her".
• Toni Braxton : New album alert. I despise the title "Sex & Cigarettes", but in a way it works for this collection of retro R'n'B songs.

Most played artists:

• Kevin Abstract : One word: discovery. His album "American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story" blew me away. Highlights are "Runner" and "Miserable America".
• Alvvays : See next section.
• BROCKHAMPTON : New discovery alert, too. There's hardly a way to get to know the music of Kevin Abstract and not to come across this (boy) group. I've listened to their latest album "Saturation III", which also has its good tracks.

Most played tracks:

• Coasts - You Could Have Been The One : Hype alert. What a song. Thanks to T.'s trend charts playlist on Spotify I've gotten aware, that they already released this single after their 2017 album.
• Alvvays - Dreams Tonite : Thanks to that one YouTuber this song is kind of stuck in my head.

News?

█ Toni Braxton released a new video - just in time for her new album. "Long As I Live" features pretty much everything a fan could ask for. Glossy visuals and skin. ;)
█ Oh boy, Frei.Wild are topping the German album charts again, only to be followed by Beatrice Egli. That's not the best week in music.
█ Meanwhile in the UK at number one: The "Greatest Showman" soundtrack. WTF?! Also over there is Drake's "God's Plan" at number 1 for the ninth week. WTF²!?

New in the German charts:

[05] Azet - Kriminell (feat. Zuna & Noizy) : Yikes! Here we have another case of young impressionable music consumers, lifting mediocre music like this. My recommendation: just skip that sh*t.
[07] Ufo361 - Power (feat. Capital Bra) : I don't know where to begin. I mean, what is there to hate? (Almost everything?) Maybe the next gangster rap song can top that. :/

Antisocialites (#519)

Hi,

oops, I'm just a little late...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• M.I.A. : Playlist research context. I was looking for uptempo songs.
• Alvvays : Album discovery context. A youtube video reminded me of "Antisocialites", so I checked it out.
• Hercules & Love Affair : Tbh I'm still not finished getting to know the latest album "Omnion".
• The Midnight : Fan times. "Endless Summer" seems pretty flawless as an album.

Most played artists:

• Pet Shop Boys : Fan times. "Elysium" But also a few tracks of "Super" keep growing on me.
• xxxtentacion : New album alert. "?" features a lot of different styles put together... but in some moments it shines.
• Juse Ju : New album alert. So I made it through "Shibuya Crossing", which has its moments. But overall I think it's not my cup of tea.

Most played tracks:

• Blakey - Prism Of Love (feat. JONES) : New single alert. Nice pop tune.

News?

█ Taylor Swift's new video "Delicate" is just another glossy work of escapism - thanks to director Joseph Kahn.
█ And at the top of the German album charts: Fantasy. Oh boy. :/ But as there have been only new entries among the top 7, this might change soon.

New in the German charts:

[01] Marshmello - Friends (feat. Anne-Marie) : Wow, there is quite some fluctuation on the top spot.

Empire (#518)

Hi,

and another busy week passed by. These days I have to be careful with all the flu weather. But I try to stay optimistic.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• BLOND : Radio context. I had the pleasure to interview Nina last week. So I did my preparation, of course. ("Trendy - EP")
• Everthing Everything : New EP alert. "A Deeper Sea" kind of won't get them new fans. But it is enough to make others happy, I guess.
• The Neighbourhood : New album alert. Their self-titled LP seems nice. I'm not finished getting to know all the songs yet.

Most played artists:

• PLANET : Hype alert. Now this band already made my year in music better. Also the news that they are headed for some show (with DMA'S) helps a lot.
• Ball Park Music : New album alert. "Good Mood" sounds okay.
• Palace Winter : New single alert. "Empire" took me by surprise. Lovely track. And now I'm curious about their upcoming album "Nowadays".

Most played tracks:

• PLANET - Save.Sold : What a tune. And the coincidence that it made it to LOHRO's heavy rotation this week seems pretty unique.
• PLANET - Undermine :  And another solid tune by PLANET. Oh man, can't wait for the concert.

News?

█ I don't know about DJ Khaled's way of music making. But I can say that I am very disappointed by his song for the upcoming Disney film "A Wrinkle In Time" featuring power vocals by Demi Lovato. "I Believe" comes with a CGI-filled video, that feels as hollow as the lyrics.
█ Olexesh made it - #1 in the German single charts and #1 in the German album charts. I even read something good about "Rolexesh".

New in the German charts:

[01] Olexesh - Magisch (feat. Edin) : Okay, so this became a chart topper. Meh.

Save.Sold (#517)

Hi,

so there was this crazy Saturday, which got me started a bit late for some kind of American cereal tasting. Then I went to an exposition, where I spontaneously bought shoes. This was followed by an entertaining comic reader meeting. And finally I was invited to a concert of three quite different bands. Oh, and yes, I've listened to new music as well...

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• James Bay : New single alert. Tbh I couldn't care less about "Wild Love". :P
• XAXO : Now where is the album news? "Sweetest Heartbreak" seems to continue to be a stand-alone thingy.
• Sarah Blasko : New album alert. At this point I'm not sure, if I will make it through "Depth Of Field", which doesn't mean that it sounds bad. It's just not my first choice.
• Sofi Tukker : Fan times.

Most played artists:

• Jonah : Promotion context. When I heard their latest single "Love Lost", it made me want to learn more about Jonah. So I checked out their 2017 album "Wicked Fever", which features radio-friendly indie pop.
• London Grammar : Fan times.
• Mac DeMarco : New album alert. By surprise I was listening to songs of "Another (Demo) One", but nothing kept me wanting to hear more.

Most played tracks:

• Bazzi - Mine : New artist alert. Via Genius I came across his explanation of this song, which made me do some research. Also is single "Gone" got my attention. Most songs are pretty short. And he is about to release an EP soon.

News?

█ And there it is - the music video for Iggy Azalea's "Savior". It features lots of colorful neon church visuals and the singer posing a lot. I couldn't spot her guest Quavo, though. Let's see, if this will become a hit.
█ The local rap crew Kkorpus Delikkti just released a new album - titled "Schaum in Bierflaschen" - on their bandcamp site. Check it out. (You can get it for free.)
█ As if a look at the single charts wasn't weird enough, the German album charts are topped by B-Tight's "A.i.d.S. Royal" and Curse's "Die Farbe von Wasser". Oh my!
█ And this just in: There is a Sydney-based alternative band called PLANET, that recently released a new single. "Save.Sold" just blew me away. I can't wait for their upcoming EP.

New in the German charts:

[01] Drake - God's Plan : You gotta be f***ing kidding me. What on earth made Drake reach the top of the German single charts. I can't explain. WTF!?
[03] Olexesh - Magisch (feat. Edin) : Nope, no interest in that. (Please don't let it be a future number 1.)
[06] Post Malone - Psycho (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) : Wow. So this artist is causing some kind of hype over here as well. And there's more quality in that song than you might think.
[08] Marshmello - Friends (feat. Anne-Marie) : This so called "Official Friendzone Anthem" uses Anne-Marie's annoying vocals quite effective. Tbh it's not as bad as I expected it to be. :P

PS: I expect RAF Camora's "Corleone" to pop up here next week.

Leave A Light On (#516)

Hi,

and I'm late again. Sorry :(

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Isolation Berlin : New album alert. "Vergifte dich" could be more, if you ask me. When the pre-single "Kicks" came out, I was hopeful. Now I feel a bit disappointed, but I still bought a ticket for the next concert in town.
• Rae Morris : New album alert. I was eager to get to know "Someone Out There", but after some tracks I lost my interest. :/
• The Blaze : Fan times.
• Kendrick Lamar and friends : Oh, that "Black Panther" album is just on fire. Such a strong compilation. Try it!
• Sofi Tukker : Hype alert. So I recently found out, that I missed the chance to see them live in Berlin. But hey, maybe I will have more luck in September. (Lollapalooza times) :)

Most played artists:

• cupcakKe : New artist alert... for me, at least. Wow, what a confidence. And some tracks are quite catchy. Try "LGBT" or "Duck Duck Goose". :)
• Brian Fallon : New album alert. After friends were referring to this artist I made it through his latest release "Sleepwalkers", which seems to be something for fans, though.
• Vance Joy : New album alert. "Nation Of Two" just sounds okay, and that seems very underwhelming to me.

Most played tracks:

[nothing to highlight here]

News?

█ Award Season continues with the Brit Awards 2018. Congratulations to Dua Lipa for making clear, why she has become a big name within the past year. Also Stormzy made quite some impact. Tbh it was a pretty solid awards show.
█ Lukas Rieger's new album "Code" only reached number 2 in the German album charts, while Felix Jaehn's "I" is now on place 5. (But what the heck is Goitzsche Front?)

New in the German charts:

[01] Liam Payne & Rita Ora - For You (Fifty Shades Freed) : Oy, another example of how popular films can make their mark in music charts. Regarding this case I don't even mind. :)
[08] Rudimental - These Days (feat. Jesse Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen) : Wow, what a feature collection. The song sounds solid, but it doesn't really convince me. Like it was made very quickly. It still offers a lot to relate to, and I think that is why it going well right now.
[09] Tom Walker - Leave A Light On : Hm, no. Sorry, that just feels like a Rag'n'Bone ripoff. Maybe he is a true artist, but judging from that one single I don't need to hear more... at this point. But hey, the video is nice.

Sick Boy (#515)

Hi,

well, once again I feel like such a critic. But believe me, I'm trying to be honest and humble. It's not like I can do everything better. Maybe just focus on my "praise parts"... okay? :)

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• London Grammar : Fan times.
• Cigarettes After Sex : Fan times. They announced a few more concerts for 2018, but I'm not sure, if I should take my chance.
• The Attic Sleepers : Fan times. Now that is a band I wouldn't want to miss out seeing live. So it makes me really sad that I did not know about their tour in January. Fuuuuu :(
• Belle and Sebastian : New EP alert. Now since there are now three parts of "How To Solve Our Human Problems", you could actually speak of a new album. The songs I've heard so far were okay.  

Most played artists:

• Felix Jaehn : New album alert. "I" has a lot to offer - 25 tracks. But guess how many I'd like to listen to for a second time? Way less, dude. :( Sorry, but most of it sounds really cheesy. But anyway, I guess I would come back for the next album...
• Lukas Rieger : New album alert. After Mike Singers weak 2nd album, "Code" also stands for cheap teen pop - but this time with an even worse singer. Also a few melodies feel like a rip-off. Sorry, but overall that is not worth your time. 
• The Wombats : New album alert. "Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life" - what a title! Unfortunately the songs don't live up to the ingenious title, but the band still provides good indie rock pop.
• Dita Von Teese : New album alert. Her self-titled record surprised me with quite good tunes. But on the other side her voice wasn't made for this. So the music has its trash factor.

Most played tracks:

• Sofi Tukker - Best Friend (feat. NERVO, The Knocks & Alisa Ueno) : Hype times. If there is one song, I could listen to every day, this is it. :)

News?

█ The best video of the week must be "King's Dead" by Kendrick Lamar and friends. What a crazy clip!
█ Speaking of crazy music videos: try "Lemon Glow" by Beach House" and maybe appreciate a black and white checked pattern going mental.
█ Have you ever heard of cupcakKe? I just came across her latest video "Duck Duck Goose". I did not expect such a level of explicit lyrics, but it sounds fun somehow, actually. And if you want to have a new party tune, check out her song "LGBT". ;)
█ Holy flogger! That Fifty Shades soundtrack tops the German album charts. It's been a while, since a film-related compilation was that successful.
█ On Thursday we will find out, what song will be our contribution to this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Tbh I don't expect much, but I am ready for a surprise.

New in the German charts:

[01] Bausa - Was du Liebe nennst : WTF!? Oh no. Not aigain.
[04] Liam Payne & Rita Ora - For You (Fifty Shades Freed) : Hm, I have mixed feelings about this. First of all it is a great pop song, that got stuck in my head ever since I first heard the epic intro. But apart from that its singers could easily be replaced, because neither of them both owns the track. And then there is this awful film, which gets a lot of attention right now. Anyway... I'll get over it.
[05] GZUZ - Was hast du gedacht : Hm, okay, I would call that gangster rap. And tbh that's not my cup of tea.
[10] The Chainsmokers - Sick Boy : Wow, I did not expect a decent song like this. Meaningful lyrics on top? Congrats, Chainsmokers, this is a good one.

All The Stars (#514)

Hi,

okay, so another week passed by - including two good concerts. (MDB and The Offenders)
But what else...?

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• The War On Drugs : Fan times.
• Dua Lipa : Fan times.
• London Grammar : Fan times.
• Lilly Among Clouds : Concert context. I had the opportunity to attend her Rostock gig. So I checked out her latest album "Aerial Perspective". I chose Moscow Death Brigade instead... and would do it again. :P
• Owl City : New EP alert. "Reel 2" may look like a single, but it has a few new tracks.
• Sofi Tukker : Hype times. "Best Friend" is such an amazing track!

Most played artists:

• Roosevelt : Fan times. Still hoping for new music.
• MGMT : New album alert. There are a few nice tracks on "Little Dark Age" - so yeah, I guess you could call me satisfied. :D
  
• Franz Ferdinand : New album alert. "Always Ascending" sounds good, but it won't let be become a fan. :P

Most played tracks:

[nothinh to highlight here]

News?

█ The Boxer Rebellion announced a new album, that drops March 23. "Ghost Alive" will be their 6th record.
█ Have you seen Kendrick's new music video? "All The Stars" features not only SZA but also tons of beautiful glossy visuals. What a treat!
█ Despite some harsh reviews regarding his Super Bowl halftime show Justin Timberlake's new album "Man Of The Woods" reached number 1 in the German album charts.

New in the German charts:

[04] Ufo361 - Beverly Hills : Ugh, those lyrics. Money, cars, expensive lifestyle. Plus 80s-like tune with trap beats. Boring.